Summary:
On Wednesday, December 13, the Bakersfield City Council will consider the adoption of multiple changes to the animal control laws – including licensing and inspections of all breeders and owners of more than three dogs. This will likely be the final opportunity to oppose these draconian measures, so it is critical to voice your opposition now. Scroll down for contact and hearing information.
As a reminder, as currently written, the proposal would:
- Require a kennel permit and possible inspections for anyone who owns more than three dogs at least twelve weeks old.
- Require anyone breeding and selling one litter of puppies to purchase a breeder’s permit, which also includes inspections of the animals or any premises where they are kept. The permit would not be allowed for any dog over seven years of age.
- Require that animals impounded more than once in their lifetime be spayed or neutered prior to redemption by their owner.
What You Can Do:
Attend the December 13, 2023, Bakersfield City Council meeting in person and respectfully express your strong opposition, particularly to the breeder and kennel permit provisions. Remind the Councilmembers that this onerous proposal will not address concerns with shelter population or irresponsible owners. Instead, encourage them to enforce current state and local laws that ensure the care of all animals- regardless of how many are owned or whether they are intact. Visit Breeding Regulations and Restrictions in the AKC Legislative Action Center for more talking points and information.
The proposal will be discussed on:
Wednesday, December 13, at 5:15 PM
City Hall South, 1501 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, California 93301
Note: The video for Council meeting is broadcast live on the internet at https://www.bakersfieldcity.us/543/Meeting-Broadcasts-Videos. The City Council will take public comment from members of the public inperson only; there will be no public comment by teleconference. When arriving, fill out a public speaker card and hand to the city clerk to notify the City Council you wish to speak.
If you can’t attend the meeting, you can also submit your opposition to the proposal by emailing city_clerk@bakersfieldcity.us before 1 PM on Wednesday, December 13.
AKC GR will provide updates as warranted on next steps in the coming weeks. For questions or more information on California legislation, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.